Tom Felton is picking up his wand again. After nearly a decade and a half away from the role, the original Draco Malfoy is heading to Broadway this fall.
Felton, now 37, will officially reprise his role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage production that’s been running since 2016 — but this time, with a magical twist: for the first time, a film cast member is stepping into the live spotlight. The show kicks off November 11, 2025, for a 19-week run at New York’s Lyric Theatre.
From Screen to Stage: A Full-Circle Return
It’s been 14 years since audiences last saw Felton’s icy glare and bleach-blonde scowl on-screen. And no, that epilogue scene from Deathly Hallows Part II doesn’t count — not like this.
Felton made the announcement earlier today, calling it a “full-circle moment.” His timing couldn’t be more poetic — he’ll be the same age Draco is during the events of Cursed Child.
“Surreal,” he called it. And for fans who grew up loathing and then oddly loving Draco, it kinda is.
This marks Felton’s Broadway debut. And with it, a landmark moment for the Potterverse.
What the Play’s About — And Why It Matters Now
The play picks up 19 years after the events of the final book. It focuses on the next generation: Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, trying to make sense of their legacies, friendships, and time-travel complications that would make Hermione sweat.
But this isn’t just a nostalgic nod. There’s real weight here. It’s a story about fathers and sons. About the scars of war. And — in Draco’s case — trying to rewrite a past he once helped shape.
And here’s the kicker: Draco’s role in Cursed Child is substantial. This isn’t a cameo. It’s a layered, emotional arc that gives Felton some real material to sink into.
The Cursed Child’s History — And Broadway’s Bet on Familiar Faces
Here’s a quick snapshot of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s stage journey so far:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Premiered in London’s West End |
| 2018 | Opened on Broadway at the Lyric Theatre |
| 2021 | Condensed into a one-part performance |
| Nov 2025 | Tom Felton joins the cast in New York City |
Adding Felton now? That’s a Broadway-sized shot of Felix Felicis.
Felton’s Draco: Then, Now, and What’s Next
Back in the day, Draco Malfoy was every bully’s blueprint — smug, sarcastic, and almost cartoonishly mean. But as the films matured, so did he.
Fans have since re-examined Draco through a more compassionate lens. He wasn’t just the privileged villain. He was a scared kid, pushed into darkness he didn’t ask for. Cursed Child leans into that complexity, giving Draco a quieter, more haunted presence.
Felton gets it. And he’s spoken about it often — in his memoir, at fan events, even on TikTok.
In today’s announcement, he called the opportunity “thrilling.” He joked about the return of the platinum hair, but beneath the humor was sincerity. This isn’t about cashing in. It’s about closure.
Will Other Harry Potter Stars Follow?
It’s the million-dollar question — and for now, the answer is: no one’s saying.
But let’s be honest. If Felton’s return sells like Butterbeer in July, producers might start placing calls. Fans have long speculated about stage appearances from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint. Nothing’s official. Yet.
Here’s what we do know:
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Felton is the only confirmed original cast member.
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The current production team hasn’t ruled out more film alumni.
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Broadway insiders suggest this could “test the waters” for future collaborations.
Fans are already speculating online — and yes, Reddit is on fire.
Why This Isn’t Just Nostalgia — It’s Strategy
Let’s not pretend Broadway isn’t in a weird spot. Post-COVID attendance is climbing, but it’s not back to 2019 highs. Big-name revivals and celebrity cameos are becoming the norm.
Felton brings something rare: name recognition and character credibility. He’s not just a movie star parachuting into a stage role — he’s the Draco. That matters to fans. And ticket buyers.
And let’s not ignore timing. The Harry Potter TV reboot is in the works at Max (formerly HBO Max). Felton’s return could be part of a broader, unofficial reawakening of the franchise.
There’s no denying this move is equal parts sentimental and smart.
